The foundation chosen for along the coast will factor several things. In non-flood zones some customers prefer a monolithic foundation due to the structural nature of a single pour, less steps required to get in the house and the lower maintenance (compared to a crawl space). If height above grade is needed for a flood zone, you will send crawl spaces, raised stem wall block slabs or piling/pier foundations. In high wave action areas (such as along the ocean front) pilings driven deep into the Earth are required for structure and height.